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Fresh air for fresh Qi

Ever wondered why you feel more energised when you spend time outdoors? Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that it all comes down to your Qi! Tune in with Maddie as she explains why spending time in nature boosts your Qi and how a good dose of fresh air can work wonders for your vital energy.

Have you ever noticed how much more alive and vibrant you feel when you spend time outdoors in nature, and especially when you exercise outdoors?

Insight from traditional Chinese medicine or TCM helps to explain why being active in nature makes us feel so energised - it's all about Qi.

Qi is one of the most important concepts in traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, and can be summed up as 'life force energy' or 'vitality.

We absorb Qi from our food, and also inhale it with the air every time we take a breath. Your lungs process the airborne Qi and use it to strengthen the blood and energy channels.

When you exercise in an environment with clean, fresh air - like the beach or at a park - you're breathing in air that's rich in energising Qi!

So, my top health tip for today is to think about the most pleasant, healthy environment you could go to for your walk, run or yoga session today, and then get out there and breathe in the fresh air!